Prince William Is Set To Become A Full-Time Royal

After 18 months of balancing his royal duties with his job as a helicopter pilot, Prince William is said to be preparing for a "big shift" in his career.

The Duke of Cambridge will leave his role with the East Anglian Air Ambulance this summer to become a full-time royal, The Times reports. The Cambridges are also expected to leave their home in Norfolk to make Kensington Palace their permanent residence in the autumn, just in time for Prince George to start school in London. It's thought that Princess Charlotte will also attend a nursery in the capital.

Prince William began his job as an air ambulance pilot in July 2015

Although it's believed William is aware of the need to help lighten the Queen's workload in her 91st year, a source told The Sunday Times there was "no pressure" for the 34-year-old Prince to give up his pilot career. After months of discussion, his family were said to be "very supportive" of his decision.

"He knew there would come a point where this would be his life for ever more," the source said. "He has always been a lot less reluctant than people think to take on more work and this phase of his life."

It's likely that William, who is a patron of a number of charities, will take on more work in the areas he is a passionate supporter of, including mental health and homelessness. His move comes after the Queen announced she was handing over 25 of her patronage to the younger generation of her family in December 2016.

Kate Middleton, Prince Harry, and Prince William on a charity visit in December 2016

While Prince Harry will take over as patron of The Rugby Football Union, William will take on the role at the Welsh Rugby Union.

Kate is also expected to step up her royal duties. She will take over from the Queen as patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club and will continue her work as a patron of The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, which is dedicated to supporting the armed forces, young people and conservation.

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Kensington Palace declined to comment on Prince William's career move.